Planet Alignment Peaks Sunday and Monday

The long-awaited gathering of the five naked-eye planets reaches its peak May 5-6 in the western evening sky. In a single glance you’ll be able to see all five planets, a feat not possible again for decades. Further, three of the five planets will crowd into a small spot in the sky, making for a very distinctive formation — officially dubbed a “planetary trio” — that is sure to thrill skywatchers. According to astronomer Robert C. Victor at Michigan State University’s Abrams Planetarium, after the spectacular planetary array of 2002 passes into history, future generations will witness similar compact gatherings of the five naked-eye planets in September 2040, July 2060 and November 2100.